Get ready to mark your calendars! Popular voice actress Nonaka Kokona, known for her captivating role as Murano Sayaka in "Love Live! Hasu no Sora Jogakuin School Idol Club," is set to release her highly anticipated 1st photobook on January 15, 2026. This special collection captures Nonaka-san in her late teens, showcasing her authentic self against the nostalgic backdrop of her hometown, Nagasaki. A heartfelt comment from Nonaka Kokona has also been released in anticipation of this exciting debut.
Introducing Nonaka Kokona
Born on January 28th and hailing from Nagasaki Prefecture, Nonaka Kokona has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment world. Her journey began when she was selected as a successful candidate in the "Amuse Zenken Zenin Mensetsu Audition 2017 ~Kyushu/Okinawa Hen~". From May 2018 to August 2021, she was an active member of the idol group Sakura Gakuin, charming audiences with her vibrant personality.
As a voice actress, Nonaka Kokona has lent her talent to several notable roles, including Tsuyukusa in the TV anime "Onipan!" and the much-loved Murano Sayaka in "Love Live! Hasu no Sora Jogakuin School Idol Club," a role that has garnered her significant attention from fans.
About the Photobook and Its Enchanting Locations
This upcoming photobook marks a significant milestone as Nonaka Kokona's very first, celebrating her journey as she approaches her twenties at 19 years old. The decision to photograph in her cherished hometown of Nagasaki was a deliberate one, aiming to capture her most genuine and "real-size" self in the familiar places where she grew up.
To give fans a sneak peek, four advance cuts have been unveiled. These stunning images include Nonaka Kokona in a charming school uniform, her clear eyes conveying a sense of innocent wonder, and beautiful "aoharu" (youthful spring) scenes captured at Chiwata Eki. This picturesque station offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Omura Wan, perfectly encapsulating the essence of her youth.
Nonaka Kokona herself expressed her feelings about the project, sharing, "Because the setting was Nagasaki, I believe this book has become a compilation of my true self, which I haven't shown before, along with my past and my future. I would be absolutely delighted if you would pick up a copy!"
Release Information and Events
Nonaka Kokona's highly anticipated 1st photobook is set to launch on January 15, 2026, with a tax-inclusive price of 3,630 yen. To celebrate its release, special commemorative events are planned in both Tokyo and Osaka. For detailed information regarding the dates and participation guidelines for these events, fans are encouraged to check the official X (formerly Twitter) account for "Nonaka Kokona 1st Photobook."
<Nonaka Kokona's Full Comment>
Nonaka Kokona
It's truly incredible! My first photobook is set to be released in my final year as a teenager! Thank you so, so much! I honestly never imagined the day would come when I would release a photobook, so I'm probably more surprised than all of you!
When I was thinking about where to shoot this very first photobook, my hometown, Nagasaki Prefecture, was the first place that came to mind. I truly wanted to create a precious book in a place I love, and that wish was granted. To explore new facets of Nagasaki's charm through the photobook, I even made sure to shoot in some places I had never visited before. Yet, there was this somehow familiar and comforting feeling everywhere, and I simply had so much fun.
Because the setting was Nagasaki, I truly believe this book has become a collection of my true self that I haven't shown before, along with my journey from the past and into the future. I would be absolutely delighted if you would pick up a copy!
Here's a quick overview of the photobook:
- Title: Nonaka Kokona 1st Photobook (tentative title)
- Release Date: January 15, 2026 (Thursday)
- Price: 3,630 yen (tax included)
- Specifications: A4 Modified, 112 pages
- Photography: Kumaki Yuu
- Publisher: KADOKAWA
Written by Nakase Koutarou
_
